Rangers, Dalby set for 2014 Risdon Cup decider

Glen McCullough
Sports reporter
Glen was transferred to the Chronicle editorial section from the comp room in 1992. He worked initially as a racing sub-editor, sport sub-editor and paginator. He worked as a fill-in racing and sport writer during that time before moving into writing full-time.

FIFTY years ago Dalby and Toowoomba Rangers helped create rugby union history on the Darling Downs when they met in the first round of a new competition called the Risdon Cup.

They were two of five foundation Risdon Cup clubs that included Warwick, Goondiwindi and the Gatton College Second XV.

Dalby and Rangers have remained an integral part of the competition since, with each club experiencing its own memorable Cup moments and weathering its leaner seasons.

Today one of the clubs can enter the record book with another Wagners Risdon Cup milestone next to its name when they meet at Clive Berghofer Stadium to decide the winner of the 50th anniversary A-grade premiership.

The match shapes as a classic encounter.

Each team conquered two-time defending premiers Goondiwindi to earn its title shot.

Dalby has held a winning edge on Rangers throughout 2014.

But there have been only a handful of points between the sides in each of their three season meetings.

The Wheatmen ended the home-and-away season with a 108-point superior attacking record to their rivals, while Rangers' defensive record shaded Dalby's.

But those statistics don't mean a thing this afternoon.

Both teams have lifted a notch during the finals series.

Risdon Cup grand final experience favours Rangers.

Marcus Filipetto, Tom Crockett, Stu Killen, Andrew Turner and Ross Crampton were all members of a Rangers' team soundly beaten by a white-hot USQ outfit in the 2011 grand final.

Dalby forward Tom Capel was a member of Toowoomba Bears' successful 2010 grand final side.

Risdon Cup punters are finding it hard to separate the teams ahead of today's showdown, with the two well-balanced sides stacking up strongly man-on-man.

But if the grand final is to be decided by flashes of individual brilliance, both the Wheatmen and Rangers pack a lethal arsenal in that department.

Rangers' winger Grant Angell has been one of the 2014 competition's most dynamic finishers.

He was equal leading try-scorer for the regular season, but sharing that honour with him is Dalby representative fullback Paul Maguire.

When asked by The Chronicle to nominate two Dalby players Rangers needed to control to increase their grand final winning prospects, Rangers coach Mark Nicholls had a ready reply.

"They have a lot more than two players we need to control if we want to finish on top," Nicholls said.

"Dalby is the most structured team in the comp, and if they get a roll on, they're devastating.

"We have got to stop their flow. If we do and our forwards can get us the necessary ball, I'm confident we have the backline to win the grand final.

"But individually we need to try and control Sam Hogarth.

"He's prolific for them. It's what they do off the ball.

"Their number 10 James Galligan is another astute and talented footballer, while Paul Maguire is very dangerous if you give him any space."

Dalby coach Michael Gall is equally aware of Rangers' firepower, and he is looking for a better start from the Wheatmen today than their opening against Rangers in their semi-final meeting three weeks ago.

"We came from behind that day, and I think we finished the match a fair bit stronger than Rangers," Gall said.

"But we need to work hard early on Saturday.

"I think Rangers have come up with a well-balanced side with a lot of in-form players.

"Andrew Turner is back with them from Brisbane playing good football, and Matt Lyons is having a strong finals series.

"Their forwards are very hard-working with players like Matt Roberts and Sebastian Wilson in there for them.

"But we are more than happy with how our season has been building for Saturday."